My name is Heide Pfuetzner. I have always been interested in the Arts, even tried painting, pottery and poetry myself.
Since I received the diagnosis of ALS in 2007, my life has changed completely. I'm paralyzed and dependant on 24 hr ventilation. I can only communicate with my eyes and with the help of my computer.
Since 2012 I have been able to paint again. With EEG cap, gamma box and 2 monitors I produce my digital brainpaintings.
My dream is to exhibit these works on Easdale for the first time.

Project

Funding period
14/05/2013
14:26 o'clock -
30/06/2013
23:59 o'clock

Funding goal
reached
5,000
€

City
Oban

CategoryArt

What is this project all about?

I’ve always been a very active person with a huge social
network. That is why this illness is not only a complete change in
my life, but represents a personal catastrophe.
Every year 3 out of 100 000 people receive the devastating
diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
ALS is a debilitating disease characterized by rapidly progressive
weakness, muscle atrophy and fasciculations, muscle spasticity,
difficulty speaking (dysarthria), difficulty swallowing
(dysphagia), and difficulty breathing (dyspnea) etc.
In the end, you are locked in a paralysed body with an active mind.
Unfortunately, ALS is not treatable.
Statistically, as an ALS patient, you might survive 3 years after
your diagnosis. Together with my family it was decided that I
should continue to live my life with the aid of a ventilator.
I had never been fond of technical equipment, and despised working
with a computer.
But VS Ultra (ventilation machine), EEG cap, brainwaves and BCI
have become a normal part of my life.
BCI (Brain-Computer-Interface) is a pioneer making technology,
which allows me to create art and therefore, reconnect to my old
life.
BrainPainting is painting with the help of my brain activity and a
specially created computer programme.
Canvas, brush and colour palette are digital. Concentration and my
mind produce expressive paintings.
For the first time, this project gives me the opportunity to show
the world that the ALS has not been the end of my life!
Before my illness, I often visited the west coast of Scotland. The
tiny island of Easdale near Oban is a special place for me.
Easdale Island in its Community hall gives artists the chance to
show their art in unique surroundings to a growing public.
An exhibition in that context would be the ultimate fusion between
sick bed and global village.

What is the project goal and who is the project for?

The proposed exhibition in the gallery is timed for July this
year.
For the first time, my paintings would be shown in Scotland.
As everyone can understand, the organization of this exhibition
goes hand in hand with a huge logistical effort.
An international audience will not only see the new possibilities
of a groundbreaking invention and a new art form, but a woman who
does not give up, but keeps a stiff upper lip. A tough cookie!

Why would you support this project?

Projects like ours give disabled artists back their pride but
also the chance to use their creativity in a new way.
This is only possible with the use of the most modern techniques
and the support of many people.
Only a handful know what ALS means to the patient and their
families and research into the disease is just in its infancy .
Peoples poor knowdledge and inhibitions often lead to the ALS
patient losing touch and becoming isolated.
We want to break this vicious circle!
My project is an appeal to all fellow patients, relatives, friends
and last but not least medical science not to let us down.
My point is: Brainpainting is just the beginning!
And the start of developing meaningful communication for ALS
sufferers.

How will we use the money if the project is successfully funded?

The money will be used for the printing and framing of the works
as well as for posters and other publicity. Due to the nature of
the illness we will need things beyond a normal budget. This starts
with the travel and accommodation arrangements for our nursing
team, the special transport from Glasgow Airport to Easdale Island
and back.From lots of medical equipment to a generator which would
prove to be vital in a power cut.

Should the money from the supporters exceed these costs, it will
be used to finance further exhibition projects in Leipzig.
The team has already collected some money during the last year.
However, this is not nearly enough. That’s why we need your
support!

At this point, we would like to mention our other supporters,
without whom this endeavor wouldn’t have been possible:

• First of all, our nursing team from GIP (Gesellschaft
für medizinische Intensivpflege mbH / corporation for medical
intensive care) who are not only accompanying us on the trip but
are essential for BP at home.
• Guger Technologies, who are providing the technical
equipment;
• Seafari Adventures, who are providing free transport across
the water.

28/06/2013

We've got only 2 days left in our project and have reached our target and you're still supporting us, today we are at 111%. Family, friends, fans and supporter -you are just phantastic! We are all deep in preparation for the trip and exhibition as you can see from the many blog entries. To keep it short and sweet: THANK YOU :-)

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